Trim Celtic have sealed an historic double for the first time as they added the Challenge Cup to their Premier Division title. It took two Colm Carney penalties and a solid defensive display on a windy day at the MDL to seal a 2-0 victory against a strong Kentstown Rovers side.

Aaron Williams could have put Trim 1 up but side footed over. The blustery conditions didn’t aid the standard of football with Kentstown getting to grips with them better in the opening exchanges. In a first half that was littered with free kicks and petulance Jack O’Keeffe struck one wide while Kentstown blazed over following a scramble. Aaron Williams bundled the ball into the net but Brian Faulkner had already been flagged offside. The Trim side finished the half well with efforts on and off target from Faulkner and Williams respectively but they were dealt a blow in injury time with the dismissal of captain James Goggins following the award of a free kick to Celtic.

With the aid of the wind in the second half Trim were able to exert more pressure on the Kentstown defence. The opening goal started with a fine catch by Celtic keeper Aaron Ryan who proceeded launch the ball deep into the Kentstown half. The initial ball was dealt with but Callum Ennis nicked the ball back before rifling a shot goal-wards. The Kentstown keeper could only parry the shot into the path of Colm Carney who was caught by the net-minder as he took the ball around him with the referee whistling for a penalty. Carney stepped up to slot home the spot kick for his 20th goal of the season, the 3rd Celtic player to reach that tally. On 70 mins Jack O’Keeffe tested the Kentstown keeper who tipped his shot around the post although no corner was awarded. Four minutes later Celtic doubled their lead as Colm Carney stepped up to slot home after a penalty was awarded for handball. Rovers were then also reduced to ten men following a 2nd yellow card but try as they might they couldn’t find a way past Paddy Brophy and Eoin O’Connor who were immense at the heart of the Celtic defence. Carney was denied his hat-trick by a superb goal line clearance before another scramble saw Sean FitzGerald’s shot cleared off the line and Eoin O’Connor hit the post. A few long free kicks into the Trim box were dealt with well before the final whistle blew to seal the double.

Well done to Alan, Robbie, Brian, Dave & Jimmy and all the lads on a superb achievement.
Hard luck to Kentstown Rovers who really put it up to our lads today giving them the hardest game they’ve had in a while, and putting in a performance to be proud of.

Trim Celtic: Aaron Ryan, Mark Leavy, James Goggins, Eoin O’Connor, Paddy Brophy, Callum Ennis, Jack O’Keeeffe, Conor Walsh, Brian Faulkner, Aaron Williams, Cillien Corcoran.
Subs: Colm Carney (for Faulkner), Dean Courtney (for Williams), Sean FitzGerald (for Leavy), Oisin Smith (for Ennis), Luke Mahon (for Corcoran), Scott O’Leary, Ciaran O’Connell, Gary Connell.